The government said Friday it will impose emergency tariffs on frozen beef from the United States and other regions starting in August due to soaring shipments. The beef is widely used in fast food.

Japan will raise tariffs from the current 38.5 percent to 50 percent until March 2018. It is the first time in 14 years that Japan has taken such emergency measures on U.S. beef imports, a decision likely to irk Washington.

Imported frozen beef is mainly used for processed foods such as hamburgers and beef bowls and could lead to hikes in consumer prices.